Parts of the United Kingdom are anticipating a break from the ongoing heatwave, though the dry spell is set to persist for much of the country. Cooler air is expected to move in, offering some relief from the high temperatures that have characterized the summer.

This summer has been exceptionally dry across the UK, with significant regional variations in rainfall. Eastern and northeastern parts of England have recorded only about half of their typical rainfall by this point in the season. Wisley in Surrey has experienced 31 consecutive dry days, and a large area of central England is enduring its longest dry spell in 30 years.

The weather forecast indicates that high pressure will dominate for the coming week, leading to minimal to no rainfall in many areas. The wettest conditions are anticipated in northwest Scotland, where frontal systems may deliver up to 30 millimeters (1.18 inches) of rain throughout the week. Elsewhere, scattered showers might occur, primarily near coastal regions, but many inland areas are likely to endure at least five more completely dry days.

Map of UK showing blue colours in east where temperatures will be below average and orange colours in west where temperatures will be above average. An area of high pressure is shown to the west of the UK, with blue arrows indicating cooler air arriving from the north.

The prevailing dry conditions have impacted landscapes, with some areas experiencing parched vegetation.

A man wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses using a mobile phone while lying down on yellow dry-looking grass, under trees

Map of UK showing a few zones of blue colours where sporadic rain may fall close to coasts this week